The Enugu State Police Command has detained a 26-year-old male armed robbery suspect and recovered a locally-made pistol and a live cartridge in an operation supported by a citizen. The arrest took place at Obollo Etiti in Udenu Local Government Area of the state.
Arrest Made After Credible Tip-Off
Daniel Ndukwe, the police spokesman in Enugu State, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Enugu. He explained that the operation was based on credible information received on 10 August at about 1:45 p.m., alerting police to the suspicious activities of a young man who had arrived at a hotel, purportedly to lodge.
Acting on the information, police officers searched the suspect's bag, leading to the recovery of the locally-made pistol and a live cartridge. The suspect was immediately detained and taken into custody alongside the recovered exhibits.
Suspect Confesses to Gang Membership
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member of an armed robbery gang that specialised in threatening and robbing Point of Sale (POS) operators of their valuables. He also stated that his gang members fled the scene upon his arrest.
Mr Ndukwe, a superintendent of police, said the suspect will be prosecuted in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Police Commissioner Commends Citizen
Mr Ndukwe quoted the state Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, as commending the resident who provided the timely information. The commissioner reiterated the importance of providing the police with credible information on suspicious persons and activities.
He assured residents that efforts were ongoing to identify and detain the gang members that fled, while investigations continue. The police command continues to urge the public to report suspicious activities to aid in crime prevention.
